Srishti Kaur, the first Indian to be crowned Miss Teen Universe, talks about the contest, her idol Sushmita Sen and her Bollywood dreams.

Although Srishti Kaur always had a keen interest in fashion, she hadn’t imagined in her wildest dreams that she would ever win an international beauty pageant. The 19-year-old Noida girl has been crowned Miss Teen Universe 2017. Ask her how she’s feeling, and she says: “Out of the world.”

Srishti, who won the international beauty pageant on Tuesday in Nicaragua in Central America, says, “Every time there was a beauty contest, I wanted an Indian to win. So I’m very happy to have won such a prestigious title and for making my country proud.” She was competing with contestants from 25 other countries. She’s also the first Indian to have made it to the finals of the six-year-old pageant.

Srishti Kaur’s theme for the national costume category was ‘The Romance of India and Sristhi’.
(AFP)

Her national costume, which included the elements of the peacock, astrology and was inspired by Indians who contributed to space research, won her an award. “I chose the theme the romance of India and Sristhi (the universe). It was made in my favourite colour black and was an attempt at saluting the achievements of India,” says Srishti.

Srishti with Nieveles Gonzalez, Miss Teen Universe 2016.
(AFP)

Even though Bollywood wasn’t a part of my plan, I’d love to be able to work in the industry now!

Srishti, who went to Lotus Valley International school in Noida, and is currently pursuing fashion in London, looks up to actor Sushmita Sen and aspires to work in Bollywood. “She (Sushmita) made the whole country proud by winning the Miss Universe title. And from the way she carried herself, to her poise, her answers to the questions (at the pageant) – I love everything about her,” she says, adding “Even though Bollywood wasn’t a part of my plan, I’d love to work in the industry!”

Asked what she is missing the most about home Srishti says: “My family, my dog, and ghar ka khaana. I love butter chicken, dal makhani, and gulab jamuns.”

I made friends from so many cultures – I even taught some of them a few Bollywood moves.

Looking back at the whole experience, she says that she walks away stronger, more independent, and with some more friends. “The pressures and schedules of the event taught me so much. And I made friends from so many cultures – I even taught some of them a few Bollywood moves,” she says.